Ventricular repolarization dynamics (VRD) is an important predictor of outcome in diabetes. We examined the potential impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on VRD in type 2 diabetic patients. We recorded 5-min high-resolution resting electrocardiograms (ECG) in 38 diabetic patients undergoing elective coronary angiography, and in 38 age- and gender- matched apparently healthy subjects (Controls). Using leads I and II, time-domain indices of VRD were calculated. Coronary angiography was regarded as positive if a 350% stenosis was found. Angiography was positive in 21 diabetic patients (55%). Patients with CAD had a significantly higher degree of VRD than Controls (SDNN(QT): 15.81/-7.22 ms vs. 8.94/-6.04 ms; P (0.001, rMSSD(QT): 21.02k7.07 ms vs. 11.18k7.45 ms; P (0.001). VRD in diabetic patients with negative angiograms did not differ from VRD in Controls (SDNN(QT): 8.94/-6.04 ms vs. 7.44/-5.72 ms; P=0.67, rMSSD(QT): 11.18/-7.45 ms vs. 10.22/-5.35 ms; P=O. 82). CAD increases VRD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, changes in ventricular repolarization in diabetic patients may be due to silent CAD rather than to diabetes per se.

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